Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Psychology & Counselling is a full-time, research-focused doctoral degree designed to develop high-level research competence in Islamic Psychology and Counselling. The programme equips students with advanced understanding of contemporary research methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and discipline-specific approaches in Islamic Psychology.

Students engage in a theoretical and research-based approach to learning, with the aim of generating high-quality research and contributing to international academic discourse. The programme is suited for those who wish to work in academia, Islamic organisations, university-level research, counselling, policy, training, or educational consultancy.

The programme includes specialised coursework, research methodology and proposal development, Islamic counselling practicum, internship, and a doctoral thesis. The doctoral thesis must demonstrate solid scholarship and make a new and significant contribution to knowledge in the field.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the program, students would be able to

PLO1 Demonstrate thorough comprehension of fundamental theories, ideas and research in Islamic Psychology.

PLO2 Conduct independent and rigorous research in Islamic Psychology, including study design, data gathering and statistical analysis.

PLO3 Critically analyse existing literature, research outcomes and practical applications of Islamic Psychology, identifying strengths, weaknesses and knowledge gaps.

PLO4 Uphold strict ethical standards in professional conduct, research and relationships with clients or research subjects, while demonstrating cultural sensitivity and competence.

PLO5 Integrate approaches from Islamic Psychological subfields and allied sciences to address complex real-world problems and develop research-based therapeutic interventions, assessment tools, interview frameworks, documentation systems and monitoring tools.

PLO6 Communicate effectively, publish research in peer-reviewed publications, present findings at conferences and engage with diverse audiences.

PROGRAM ALIGNMENT WITH IOU’s VISION & MISSION

The PhD in Islamic Psychology & Counselling aligns with IOU’s vision and mission by:

• Providing facilitated access to quality higher education to students around the world, particularly in Islamic Psychology.
• Promoting Islamic values of peace, harmony and tolerance through the curriculum, pedagogical practices and teaching approaches.
• Contributing to the establishment and strengthening of knowledge-based communities globally.
• Creating diverse scholarly communities where students engage in intellectual rigour, high ethical standards and critical evaluation.

Semesters

Admission Requirements

Applicants are expected to meet the following requirements:

• A relevant Master’s degree in Psychology at HEQF Level 9 / ISCED exit level 7 with a grade of 60% and above or equivalent CGPA.
• Completion of a minimum of 240 credits in Psychology or a related field in previous studies.
• Competence in English as the language of teaching and learning. Applicants with English as an additional or foreign language are required to achieve IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each component or equivalent, or to have completed and submitted their Master’s dissertation in English.
• Ability to pursue independent research, engage with scholarship conventions, integrate complex information, complete a comprehensive literature review, and write a fully developed thesis on an Islamic Psychology topic.
• Successful completion of a clinical placement as part of the applicant’s Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, candidates must complete the minimum 360 credits within the minimum study period, satisfy the research requirements of the degree by completing a doctoral thesis that demonstrates an original contribution to knowledge, and meet any publication requirements set by the Department and/or Senate. If required, candidates must publish at least two research papers in reputable impact-factor journals, with acceptance by the journal or publisher considered sufficient for graduation purposes.